Athletic data aggregation and display system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods relating to wirelessly transmitting athletic data, including personal fitness devices, to a display are provided. Embodiments relate to non-connectable advertising, such as using wireless advertising beacons, to transmit athletic data. Certain embodiments include using BTLE in non-connectable advertising modes to transmit data. Athletic data may be displayed by a display device observable by several users. Further embodiments utilize the data is coaching users of a group.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/167,375, filed on May 27, 2016, and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/167,936, filed on May 29, 2015,which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety forany and all non-limiting purposes.

BACKGROUND

Certain devices, such as many modern fitness devices, are limited interms of their on-board UIs. Indeed, with the miniaturization of fitnessdevices, display devices and/or other feedback mechanisms, such as LEDsor tactile input/output devices have been eliminated or made to be morerudimentary than prior models or earlier fitness devices. For example,earlier fitness devices may have included an appendage worn device thatwas comparable to a bulky wrist-worn watch, however, bracelets, armbands and other less bulky or obtrusive devices may have minimal UIsand/or feedback mechanisms in terms of one or more of size, quantity,and/or complexity.

Often times, mobile devices, which may be wirelessly linked with saidfitness devices, may serve as a UI or feedback mechanism. Unfortunately,many users often do not want to have physical possession of their mobiledevices while participating in athletic activities, and if so, accessingand utilizing an “app” or other remote software implementations can betime-consuming and burdensome during the athletic activity.

Further, in group settings (either virtual or physical), when a session,class or event is about to be initiated, players, instructors, coaches,trainers and/or other individuals often don't have the time or patienceto struggle with equipment issues. In this regard, instructors oftenhave defined time slots within a workout room, and as such, they don'thave the time to coordinate electronic equipment synchronization and/orserve as a mobile IT department. Prior art attempts may have focused onindividually connecting fitness devices associated with a plurality ofathletes with a leaderboard or system for aggregating and/or displayingathletic data. Further, this usually involves requiring the athlete tofirst disconnect their fitness device from other devices, such asswitching the Bluetooth connection from their mobile phone or tablet.For example, Bluetooth protocol only allows a single connection at atime, so the athlete would first have to determine whether the fitnessdevice is connected to their phone or another device, disconnect it, andthen determine if it can be successfully connected to the new device.

Other problems include the potential lack of interne service by the gymor other entity proximate to the collection of users, authenticationbetween the hardware utilized to aggregate and display the data as wellas remote platforms that may be utilized to obtain data about theathletes and/or store the athletic data. Such platforms require log-incredentials of the athletes, which could be a privacy concern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that may be configured to providepersonal training and/or obtain data from the physical movements of auser in accordance with example embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example computer device that may be part of or incommunication with the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative sensor assembly that may be worn by a userin accordance with example embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows another example sensor assembly that may be worn by a userin accordance with example embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows illustrative locations for sensory input which may includephysical sensors located on/in a user's clothing and/or be based uponidentification of relationships between two moving body parts of theuser;

FIG. 6 shows an example flow of proximity pairing one of a plurality offitness devices according to one example embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 shows an example flow of imprinting a fitness device according toone example embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 depicts an athletic band with a removable module according to oneexemplary embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative system that generally focuses onindividually connecting fitness devices associated with a plurality ofathletes with a leaderboard or system for aggregating and/or displayingathletic data;

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative example of aggregating and outputtingathletic data from a plurality of users in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 11 shows flowchart 1100 that may be implemented to aggregate and/oroutput (e.g. display) athletic activity data obtained from a pluralityof different fitness devices; and

FIG. 12 shows an example UI that may be implemented, such as on a mobiledevice, that allows a user to set on or more variables in relation towhat information is transmitted in one or more beacons.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of this disclosure involve obtaining, storing, and/or processingathletic data relating to the physical movements of an athlete. Theathletic data may be actively or passively sensed and/or stored in oneor more non-transitory storage mediums. Still further aspects relate tousing athletic data to generate an output, such as for example,calculated athletic attributes, feedback signals to provide guidance,and/or other information. These and other aspects will be discussed inthe context of the following illustrative examples of a personaltraining system.

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and inwhich is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in whichaspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and structural and functionalmodifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe present disclosure. Further, headings within this disclosure shouldnot be considered as limiting aspects of the disclosure and the exampleembodiments are not limited to the example headings.

I. Example Personal Training System

A. Illustrative Networks

Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods that may beutilized across a plurality of networks. In this regard, certainembodiments may be configured to adapt to dynamic network environments.Further embodiments may be operable in differing discrete networkenvironments. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a personal trainingsystem 100 in accordance with example embodiments. Example system 100may include one or more interconnected networks, such as theillustrative body area network (BAN) 102, local area network (LAN) 104,and wide area network (WAN) 106. As shown in FIG. 1 (and describedthroughout this disclosure), one or more networks (e.g., BAN 102, LAN104, and/or WAN 106), may overlap or otherwise be inclusive of eachother. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrativenetworks 102-106 are logical networks that may each comprise one or moredifferent communication protocols and/or network architectures and yetmay be configured to have gateways to each other or other networks. Forexample, each of BAN 102, LAN 104 and/or WAN 106 may be operativelyconnected to the same physical network architecture, such as cellularnetwork architecture 108 and/or WAN architecture 110. For example,portable electronic device 112, which may be considered a component ofboth BAN 102 and LAN 104, may comprise a network adapter or networkinterface card (NIC) configured to translate data and control signalsinto and from network messages according to one or more communicationprotocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the InternetProtocol (IP), and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) through one or moreof architectures 108 and/or 110. These protocols are well known in theart, and thus will not be discussed here in more detail.

Network architectures 108 and 110 may include one or more informationdistribution network(s), of any type(s) or topology(s), alone or incombination(s), such as for example, cable, fiber, satellite, telephone,cellular, wireless, etc. and as such, may be variously configured suchas having one or more wired or wireless communication channels(including but not limited to: WiFi®, Bluetooth®, Near-FieldCommunication (NFC) and/or ANT technologies). Thus, any device within anetwork of FIG. 1, (such as portable electronic device 112 or any otherdevice described herein) may be considered inclusive to one or more ofthe different logical networks 102-106. With the foregoing in mind,example components of an illustrative BAN and LAN (which may be coupledto WAN 106) will be described.

1. Example Local Area Network

LAN 104 may include one or more electronic devices, such as for example,computer device 114. Computer device 114, or any other component ofsystem 100, may comprise a mobile terminal, such as a telephone, musicplayer, tablet, netbook or any portable device. In other embodiments,computer device 114 may comprise a media player or recorder, desktopcomputer, server(s), a gaming console, such as for example, a Microsoft®XBOX, Sony® Playstation, and/or a Nintendo® Wii gaming consoles. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely example devicesfor descriptive purposes and this disclosure is not limited to anyconsole or computing device.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the design and structureof computer device 114 may vary depending on several factors, such asits intended purpose. One example implementation of computer device 114is provided in FIG. 2, which illustrates a block diagram of computingdevice 200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosureof FIG. 2 may be applicable to any device disclosed herein. Device 200may include one or more processors, such as processor 202-1 and 202-2(generally referred to herein as “processors 202” or “processor 202”).Processors 202 may communicate with each other or other components viaan interconnection network or bus 204. Processor 202 may include one ormore processing cores, such as cores 206-1 and 206-2 (referred to hereinas “cores 206” or more generally as “core 206”), which may beimplemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip.

Cores 206 may comprise a shared cache 208 and/or a private cache (e.g.,caches 210-1 and 210-2, respectively). One or more caches 208/210 maylocally cache data stored in a system memory, such as memory 212, forfaster access by components of the processor 202. Memory 212 may be incommunication with the processors 202 via a chipset 216. Cache 208 maybe part of system memory 212 in certain embodiments. Memory 212 mayinclude, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read onlymemory (ROM), and include one or more of solid-state memory, optical ormagnetic storage, and/or any other medium that can be used to storeelectronic information. Yet other embodiments may omit system memory212.

System 200 may include one or more I/O devices (e.g., I/O devices 214-1through 214-3, each generally referred to as I/O device 214). I/O datafrom one or more I/O devices 214 may be stored at one or more caches208, 210 and/or system memory 212. Each of I/O devices 214 may bepermanently or temporarily configured to be in operative communicationwith a component of system 100 using any physical or wirelesscommunication protocol.

Returning to FIG. 1, four example I/O devices (shown as elements116-122) are shown as being in communication with computer device 114.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of devices116-122 may be stand-alone devices or may be associated with anotherdevice besides computer device 114. For example, one or more I/O devicesmay be associated with or interact with a component of BAN 102 and/orWAN 106. I/O devices 116-122 may include, but are not limited toathletic data acquisition units, such as for example, sensors. One ormore I/O devices may be configured to sense, detect, and/or measure anathletic parameter from a user, such as user 124. Examples include, butare not limited to: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, alocation-determining device (e.g., GPS), light (including non-visiblelight) sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/orbody temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitor,image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor, force sensor, compass, angularrate sensor, and/or combinations thereof among others.

In further embodiments, I/O devices 116-122 may be used to provide anoutput (e.g., audible, visual, or tactile cue) and/or receive an input,such as a user input from athlete 124. Example uses for theseillustrative I/O devices are provided below, however, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that such discussions are merely descriptive ofsome of the many options within the scope of this disclosure. Further,reference to any data acquisition unit, I/O device, or sensor is to beinterpreted disclosing an embodiment that may have one or more I/Odevice, data acquisition unit, and/or sensor disclosed herein or knownin the art (either individually or in combination).

Information from one or more devices (across one or more networks) maybe used to provide (or be utilized in the formation of) a variety ofdifferent parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics includingbut not limited to: motion parameters, such as speed, acceleration,distance, steps taken, direction, relative movement of certain bodyportions or objects to others, or other motion parameters which may beexpressed as angular rates, rectilinear rates or combinations thereof,physiological parameters, such as calories, heart rate, sweat detection,effort, oxygen consumed, oxygen kinetics, and other metrics which mayfall within one or more categories, such as: pressure, impact forces,information regarding the athlete, such as height, weight, age,demographic information and combinations thereof.

System 100 may be configured to transmit and/or receive athletic data,including the parameters, metrics, or physiological characteristicscollected within system 100 or otherwise provided to system 100. As oneexample, WAN 106 may comprise server 111. Server 111 may have one ormore components of system 200 of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, server 111comprises at least a processor and a memory, such as processor 206 andmemory 212. Server 111 may be configured to store computer-executableinstructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Theinstructions may comprise athletic data, such as raw or processed datacollected within system 100. System 100 may be configured to transmitdata, such as energy expenditure points, to a social networking websiteor host such a site. Server 111 may be utilized to permit one or moreusers to access and/or compare athletic data. As such, server 111 may beconfigured to transmit and/or receive notifications based upon athleticdata or other information.

Returning to LAN 104, computer device 114 is shown in operativecommunication with a display device 116, an image-capturing device 118,sensor 120 and exercise device 122, which are discussed in turn belowwith reference to example embodiments. In one embodiment, display device116 may provide audio-visual cues to athlete 124 to perform a specificathletic movement. The audio-visual cues may be provided in response tocomputer-executable instruction executed on computer device 114 or anyother device, including a device of BAN 102 and/or WAN. Display device116 may be a touchscreen device or otherwise configured to receive auser-input.

In one embodiment, data may be obtained from image-capturing device 118and/or other sensors, such as sensor 120, which may be used to detect(and/or measure) athletic parameters, either alone or in combinationwith other devices, or stored information. Image-capturing device 118and/or sensor 120 may comprise a transceiver device. In one embodimentsensor 128 may comprise an infrared (IR), electromagnetic (EM) oracoustic transceiver. For example, image-capturing device 118, and/orsensor 120 may transmit waveforms into the environment, includingtowards the direction of athlete 124 and receive a “reflection” orotherwise detect alterations of those released waveforms. Those skilledin the art will readily appreciate that signals corresponding to amultitude of different data spectrums may be utilized in accordance withvarious embodiments. In this regard, devices 118 and/or 120 may detectwaveforms emitted from external sources (e.g., not system 100). Forexample, devices 118 and/or 120 may detect heat being emitted from user124 and/or the surrounding environment. Thus, image-capturing device 126and/or sensor 128 may comprise one or more thermal imaging devices. Inone embodiment, image-capturing device 126 and/or sensor 128 maycomprise an IR device configured to perform range phenomenology.

In one embodiment, exercise device 122 may be any device configurable topermit or facilitate the athlete 124 performing a physical movement,such as for example a treadmill, step machine, etc. There is norequirement that the device be stationary. In this regard, wirelesstechnologies permit portable devices to be utilized, thus a bicycle orother mobile exercising device may be utilized in accordance withcertain embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatequipment 122 may be or comprise an interface for receiving anelectronic device containing athletic data performed remotely fromcomputer device 114. For example, a user may use a sporting device(described below in relation to BAN 102) and upon returning home or thelocation of equipment 122, download athletic data into element 122 orany other device of system 100. Any I/O device disclosed herein may beconfigured to receive activity data.

2. Body Area Network

BAN 102 may include two or more devices configured to receive, transmit,or otherwise facilitate the collection of athletic data (includingpassive devices). Exemplary devices may include one or more dataacquisition units, sensors, or devices known in the art or disclosedherein, including but not limited to I/O devices 116-122. Two or morecomponents of BAN 102 may communicate directly, yet in otherembodiments, communication may be conducted via a third device, whichmay be part of BAN 102, LAN 104, and/or WAN 106. One or more componentsof LAN 104 or WAN 106 may form part of BAN 102. In certainimplementations, whether a device, such as portable device 112, is partof BAN 102, LAN 104, and/or WAN 106, may depend on the athlete'sproximity to an access point to permit communication with mobilecellular network architecture 108 and/or WAN architecture 110. Useractivity and/or preference may also influence whether one or morecomponents are utilized as part of BAN 102. Example embodiments areprovided below.

User 124 may be associated with (e.g., possess, carry, wear, and/orinteract with) any number of devices, such as portable device 112,shoe-mounted device 126, wrist-worn device 128 and/or a sensinglocation, such as sensing location 130, which may comprise a physicaldevice or a location that is used to collect information. One or moredevices 112, 126, 128, and/or 130 may not be specially designed forfitness or athletic purposes. Indeed, aspects of this disclosure relateto utilizing data from a plurality of devices, some of which are notfitness devices, to collect, detect, and/or measure athletic data. Incertain embodiments, one or more devices of BAN 102 (or any othernetwork) may comprise a fitness or sporting device that is specificallydesigned for a particular sporting use. As used herein, the term“sporting device” includes any physical object that may be used orimplicated during a specific sport or fitness activity. Exemplarysporting devices may include, but are not limited to: golf balls,basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, powerballs, hockeypucks, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinationsthereof. In further embodiments, exemplary fitness devices may includeobjects within a sporting environment where a specific sport occurs,including the environment itself, such as a goal net, hoop, backboard,portions of a field, such as a midline, outer boundary marker, base, andcombinations thereof.

In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one ormore sporting devices may also be part of (or form) a structure andvice-versa, a structure may comprise one or more sporting devices or beconfigured to interact with a sporting device. For example, a firststructure may comprise a basketball hoop and a backboard, which may beremovable and replaced with a goal post. In this regard, one or moresporting devices may comprise one or more sensors, such as one or moreof the sensors discussed above in relation to FIGS. 1-3, that mayprovide information utilized, either independently or in conjunctionwith other sensors, such as one or more sensors associated with one ormore structures. For example, a backboard may comprise a first sensorconfigured to measure a force and a direction of the force by abasketball upon the backboard and the hoop may comprise a second sensorto detect a force. Similarly, a golf club may comprise a first sensorconfigured to detect grip attributes on the shaft and a second sensorconfigured to measure impact with a golf ball.

Looking to the illustrative portable device 112, it may be amulti-purpose electronic device, that for example, includes a telephoneor digital music player, including an IPOD®, IPAD®, or iPhone®, branddevices available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. or Zune® orMicrosoft® Windows devices available from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash. Asknown in the art, digital media players can serve as an output device,input device, and/or storage device for a computer. Device 112 may beconfigured as an input device for receiving raw or processed datacollected from one or more devices in BAN 102, LAN 104, or WAN 106. Inone or more embodiments, portable device 112 may comprise one or morecomponents of computer device 114. For example, portable device 112 maybe include a display 116, image-capturing device 118, and/or one or moredata acquisition devices, such as any of the I/O devices 116-122discussed above, with or without additional components, so as tocomprise a mobile terminal.

a. Illustrative Apparel/Accessory Sensors

In certain embodiments, I/O devices may be formed within or otherwiseassociated with user's 124 clothing or accessories, including a watch,armband, wristband, necklace, shirt, shoe, or the like. These devicesmay be configured to monitor athletic movements of a user. It is to beunderstood that they may detect athletic movement during user's 124interactions with computer device 114 and/or operate independently ofcomputer device 114 (or any other device disclosed herein). For example,one or more devices in BAN 102 may be configured to function as anall-day activity monitor that measures activity regardless of the user'sproximity or interactions with computer device 114. It is to be furtherunderstood that the sensory system 302 shown in FIG. 3 and the deviceassembly 400 shown in FIG. 4, each of which are described in thefollowing paragraphs, are merely illustrative examples.

i. Shoe-Mounted Device

In certain embodiments, device 126 shown in FIG. 1, may comprisefootwear which may include one or more sensors, including but notlimited to those disclosed herein and/or known in the art. FIG. 3illustrates one example embodiment of a sensor system 302 providing oneor more sensor assemblies 304. Assembly 304 may comprise one or moresensors, such as for example, an accelerometer, gyroscope,location-determining components, force sensors and/or or any othersensor disclosed herein or known in the art. In the illustratedembodiment, assembly 304 incorporates a plurality of sensors, which mayinclude force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors 306; however, othersensor(s) may be utilized. Port 308 may be positioned within a solestructure 309 of a shoe, and is generally configured for communicationwith one or more electronic devices. Port 308 may optionally be providedto be in communication with an electronic module 310, and the solestructure 309 may optionally include a housing 311 or other structure toreceive the module 310. The sensor system 302 may also include aplurality of leads 312 connecting the FSR sensors 306 to the port 308,to enable communication with the module 310 and/or another electronicdevice through the port 308. Module 310 may be contained within a wellor cavity in a sole structure of a shoe, and the housing 311 may bepositioned within the well or cavity. In one embodiment, at least onegyroscope and at least one accelerometer are provided within a singlehousing, such as module 310 and/or housing 311. In at least a furtherembodiment, one or more sensors are provided that, when operational, areconfigured to provide directional information and angular rate data. Theport 308 and the module 310 include complementary interfaces 314, 316for connection and communication.

In certain embodiments, at least one force-sensitive resistor 306 shownin FIG. 3 may contain first and second electrodes or electrical contacts318, 320 and a force-sensitive resistive material 322 disposed betweenthe electrodes 318, 320 to electrically connect the electrodes 318, 320together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material 322,the resistivity and/or conductivity of the force-sensitive material 322changes, which changes the electrical potential between the electrodes318, 320. The change in resistance can be detected by the sensor system302 to detect the force applied on the sensor 316. The force-sensitiveresistive material 322 may change its resistance under pressure in avariety of ways. For example, the force-sensitive material 322 may havean internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed.Further embodiments may utilize “volume-based resistance”, which may beimplemented through “smart materials.” As another example, the material322 may change the resistance by changing the degree ofsurface-to-surface contact, such as between two pieces of the forcesensitive material 322 or between the force sensitive material 322 andone or both electrodes 318, 320. In some circumstances, this type offorce-sensitive resistive behavior may be described as “contact-basedresistance.”

ii. Wrist-Worn Device

As shown in FIG. 4, device 400 (which may resemble or comprise sensorydevice 128 shown in FIG. 1), may be configured to be worn by user 124,such as around a wrist, arm, ankle, neck or the like. Device 400 mayinclude an input mechanism, such as a depressible input button 402configured to be used during operation of the device 400. The inputbutton 402 may be operably connected to a controller 404 and/or anyother electronic components, such as one or more of the elementsdiscussed in relation to computer device 114 shown in FIG. 1. Controller404 may be embedded or otherwise part of housing 406. Housing 406 may beformed of one or more materials, including elastomeric components andcomprise one or more displays, such as display 408. The display may beconsidered an illuminable portion of the device 400. The display 408 mayinclude a series of individual lighting elements or light members suchas LED lights 410. The lights may be formed in an array and operablyconnected to the controller 404. Device 400 may include an indicatorsystem 412, which may also be considered a portion or component of theoverall display 408. Indicator system 412 can operate and illuminate inconjunction with the display 408 (which may have pixel member 414) orcompletely separate from the display 408. The indicator system 412 mayalso include a plurality of additional lighting elements or lightmembers, which may also take the form of LED lights in an exemplaryembodiment. In certain embodiments, indicator system may provide avisual indication of goals, such as by illuminating a portion oflighting members of indicator system 412 to represent accomplishmenttowards one or more goals. Device 400 may be configured to display dataexpressed in terms of activity points or currency earned by the userbased on the activity of the user, either through display 408 and/orindicator system 412.

A fastening mechanism 416 can be disengaged wherein the device 400 canbe positioned around a wrist or portion of the user 124 and thefastening mechanism 416 can be subsequently placed in an engagedposition. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism 416 may comprise aninterface, including but not limited to a USB port, for operativeinteraction with computer device 114 and/or devices, such as devices 120and/or 112. In certain embodiments, fastening member may comprise one ormore magnets. In one embodiment, fastening member may be devoid ofmoving parts and rely entirely on magnetic forces.

In certain embodiments, device 400 may comprise a sensor assembly (notshown in FIG. 4). The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality ofdifferent sensors, including those disclosed herein and/or known in theart. In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly may comprise orpermit operative connection to any sensor disclosed herein or known inthe art. Device 400 and or its sensor assembly may be configured toreceive data obtained from one or more external sensors.

iii. Apparel and/or Body Location Sensing

Element 130 of FIG. 1 shows an example sensory location which may beassociated with a physical apparatus, such as a sensor, data acquisitionunit, or other device. Yet in other embodiments, it may be a specificlocation of a body portion or region that is monitored, such as via animage capturing device (e.g., image capturing device 118). In certainembodiments, element 130 may comprise a sensor, such that elements 130 aand 130 b may be sensors integrated into apparel, such as athleticclothing. Such sensors may be placed at any desired location of the bodyof user 124. Sensors 130 a/b may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with oneor more devices (including other sensors) of BAN 102, LAN 104, and/orWAN 106. In certain embodiments, passive sensing surfaces may reflectwaveforms, such as infrared light, emitted by image-capturing device 118and/or sensor 120. In one embodiment, passive sensors located on user's124 apparel may comprise generally spherical structures made of glass orother transparent or translucent surfaces which may reflect waveforms.Different classes of apparel may be utilized in which a given class ofapparel has specific sensors configured to be located proximate to aspecific portion of the user's 124 body when properly worn. For example,golf apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on the apparelin a first configuration and yet soccer apparel may include one or moresensors positioned on apparel in a second configuration.

FIG. 5 shows illustrative locations for sensory input (see, e.g.,sensory locations 130 a-130 o). In this regard, sensors may be physicalsensors located on/in a user's clothing, yet in other embodiments,sensor locations 130 a-130 o may be based upon identification ofrelationships between two moving body parts. For example, sensorlocation 130 a may be determined by identifying motions of user 124 withan image-capturing device, such as image-capturing device 118. Thus, incertain embodiments, a sensor may not physically be located at aspecific location (such as one or more of sensor locations 130 a-130 o),but is configured to sense properties of that location, such as withimage-capturing device 118 or other sensor data gathered from otherlocations. In this regard, the overall shape or portion of a user's bodymay permit identification of certain body parts. Regardless of whetheran image-capturing device is utilized and/or a physical sensor locatedon the user 124, and/or using data from other devices, (such as sensorysystem 302), device assembly 400 and/or any other device or sensordisclosed herein or known in the art is utilized, the sensors may sensea current location of a body part and/or track movement of the bodypart. In one embodiment, sensory data relating to location 130 m may beutilized in a determination of the user's center of gravity (a.k.a,center of mass). For example, relationships between location 130 a andlocation(s) 130 f/130 l with respect to one or more of location(s) 130m-130 o may be utilized to determine if a user's center of gravity hasbeen elevated along the vertical axis (such as during a jump) or if auser is attempting to “fake” a jump by bending and flexing their knees.In one embodiment, sensor location 1306 n may be located at about thesternum of user 124. Likewise, sensor location 130 o may be locatedapproximate to the naval of user 124. In certain embodiments, data fromsensor locations 130 m-130 o may be utilized (alone or in combinationwith other data) to determine the center of gravity for user 124. Infurther embodiments, relationships between multiple sensor locations,such as sensors 130 m-130 o, may be utilized in determining orientationof the user 124 and/or rotational forces, such as twisting of user's 124torso. Further, one or more locations, such as location(s), may beutilized as (or approximate) a center of moment location. For example,in one embodiment, one or more of location(s) 130 m-130 o may serve as apoint for a center of moment location of user 124. In anotherembodiment, one or more locations may serve as a center of moment ofspecific body parts or regions.

Transmitting Athletic Data

Aspects of innovations disclosed herein relate to using an altereddiscovery and/or authentication beacon to transmit sensed data. Thesensed data may comprise or consist of athletic data. In one embodiment,the discovery and/or authentication beacon is configured to link or pairtwo devices and not transmit sensed data, however, is altered to permitthe transmission of substantially real-time identification and/orathletic data without a second device that receives the beacon to belinked or otherwise paired.

Further aspects of this disclosure relate to utilizing a discoverybeacon in relation to social athletic functions. In certain embodiments,embodiments may utilize a discovery authentication signal to transmitathletic data such that athletic data from a plurality of similardevices may be used. In certain embodiments, the discoveryauthentication signal may be used while the fitness device is a“non-connected” state, such as the device is not successfully pairedwith a local device while transmitting athletic data utilizing thediscovery authentication signal. In yet, another embodiment, the fitnessdevice may be operatively connected to and actively paired with at leastone device, however, is still transmitting the discovery authenticationsignal that is detected by a second device. As such, with respect to thesecond device, the wireless signal comprising the discoveryauthentication signal is essentially performing non-connectedadvertising. For example, in one embodiment, a fitness device may beactively paired to a user's mobile device, such as a mobile phone, whilealso transmitting out a discovery authentication signal. In certainembodiments, one or more portions of the discovery authentication signalmay be altered, augments or otherwise changed.

In one embodiment, a fitness device, such as one worn or in operativecommunication with a user, may be wirelessly connected to a mobiledevice, such as a phone to transmit and/or receive electronicinformation, however, still advertise out the beacon to other devices.In various embodiments, this may solve problems relating to specialhardware being required for hosting multiple connections simultaneously.In various embodiments, a third party may determine which of a pluralityof advertised beacons to display or transmit to one or more individuals.For example, a manager of a leaderboard, a trainer, coach, or otherindividual may possess some control on what advertised data he/she showsand how. Thus, certain embodiments relate to a unique implementation ofa non-connectable advertising data transfer system and a system ofutilizing data by a third person or system. One example implementationmay allow a teacher or coach showing the class or other plurality ofindividuals a change of work rate to one's normal work rate in doing theclass or some other way to equalize individuals against one another so aplurality of individuals can attempt to try reaching a common “goal”that seems reachable by all.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods that allowmultiple users, which may be physically proximate to each other, e.g.,in a work out class, school, defined area, etc. or remote (e.g., such asvirtually connected via a wired or wireless video capable link orwireless link that allows the transfer of information), to sociallyengage other user's during the performance of athletic activity. Incertain embodiments, at least two of the users may have a fitness devicecapable of measuring athletic activities. One or more of the fitnessdevices may utilize one or more of the sensors disclosed herein. One ormore of the devices may be capable of communicating over a wireless orcontactless communication interface, such as an interface for Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, near-field communication, RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee,or other wireless communication technique, or an interface for infraredor other optical communication technique. The fitness devices may beconfigured to utilize a specific transmission protocol that requirespairing or otherwise authenticating at least one device in thecommunication pathway (e.g., Bluetooth). The fitness device(s) may beconfigured to transmit a discovery beacon that is configured to transmitthe identification of the fitness device configured to be received by asecond device, such that the beacon allows the second device detect thepresence of the fitness device. In one embodiment, a specific make andmodel of a fitness device may have a universal beacon. For example, a2nd generation Nike Fuelband may transmit an authentication discoverybeacon consisting of “FB2” whereas a first generation Nike Fuelband maytransmit a beacon consisting of “FB1”. Those skilled in the art willrealize that any identification that may be used in theauthentication/discovery of the fitness device may be utilized. As such,any alphanumeric string, such as 033007CRG, may be utilized within thescope of this disclosure. A second manufacturer of a fitness device mayuse one or more beacons for distributed fitness devices. Again, suchbeacons may be configured to allow the discovery/identification of thefitness device to a second device for pairing purposes. In certainembodiments, the sole function of the function of the beacon is to allowthe discovery/identification of the fitness device for linking orpairing purposes.

Proximity Pairing Examples

As indicated above, aspects of this disclosure relate to utilizing adiscovery beacon in relation to social athletic functions. In certainembodiments, embodiments may utilize a discovery authentication signalto transmit athletic data such that athletic data from a plurality ofsimilar devices may be used. In certain embodiments, the discoveryauthentication signal may be used while the fitness device is a“non-connected” state, such as the device is not successfully pairedwith a local device while transmitting athletic data utilizing thediscovery authentication signal. In yet, another embodiment, the fitnessdevice may be operatively connected to and actively paired with at leastone device, however, is still transmitting the discovery authenticationsignal that is detected by a second device. As such, with respect to thesecond device, the wireless signal comprising the discoveryauthentication signal is essentially performing non-connectedadvertising. For example, in one embodiment, a fitness device may beactively paired to a user's mobile device, such as a mobile phone, whilealso transmitting out a discovery authentication signal. In certainembodiments, one or more portions of the discovery authentication signalmay be altered, augments or otherwise changed.

In further embodiments, the discovery authentication signal comprises aunique identifying signal may be alternatively utilized, either inconjunction with or instead of a common identifying signal. In oneembodiment, which is described below, a common string may be replaced oraltered to provide a unique string. In one embodiment, a signal maycomprise a common identifying string (e.g., FB2) as well as a uniqueglobal identifier (e.g., 090310SPG vs. 110775SPG). An example of aunique global identifier may be similar or the same as the 48-bit uniqueidentifier imprinted for each Bluetooth radio.

Systems and methods may be utilized to use obtain electronic informationand/or identify specific devices among a plurality of like devices, suchas devices that have a common default discovery authentication signal.For example, one or more users in a class may be utilizing the same makeand model of a fitness device. The fitness devices may have limited userinterfaces. For example, certain devices may only have a single light ortactile ability. Those with limited UI or feedback abilities generallymay present a challenge when attempting to identify a single device inthe presence of other similar or identical fitness devices.

In accordance with one embodiment, a known discovery token for anun-imprinted device may be obtained. The discovery token may be storedin one or more computer-readable mediums, including those shown anddescribed in relation to FIGS. 1-4. A first device, such as a mobiledevice may comprise a processor and a non-transitory computer-readablemedium including computer-executable instructions causes the processorto perform one or more routines, processes or steps. In one embodiment,an “app” may quickly identify un-imprinted fitness devices within aproximity. In one embodiment, only fitness devices having a predefinedname may be presented to the user of the device. In further embodiments,imprinted devices may be filtered out. In accordance with oneembodiment, upon imprinting, the discovery token will be changed to avalue unique to the specific device and/or user of the device.

In one embodiment, authentication and/or a pairing process may occur,either prior to or as part of an imprinting process. FIG. 6 is aflowchart of one exemplary embodiment that may be used to implementproximity pairing in accordance with one or more implementationsaccording to various embodiments in which information and actionsbetween “Fitness Device” and a “Mobile Device” is provided. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that “mobile device” is merely anexample, and as such any device comprising at least one processor and amemory may be utilized in accordance with this disclosure. Further, incertain embodiments, a mobile device may comprise a proximity pairingmodule, which may comprise software and/or hardware components. In oneembodiment, a mobile device is configured to include computer-executableinstructions that when executed initiate an “app” of set of instructionsthat, when executed by a processor, perform one or more of the actionsor transfer of information discussed in accordance with FIG. 6 (as wellas others).

In accordance with one embodiment, one or more un-imprinted fitnessdevices may be detected. In one embodiment, the fitness devices may bediscovered via an advertising beacon (e.g. see 602). The advertisingbeacon may be configured to serve as a discovery authentication beacon.In one embodiment, the beacon may consist of a discovery authenticationbeacon. Computer-executable instructions may be executed to cause a UI,such instructions on a non-transitory medium on the mobile device, toinstruct a user to move their fitness device within a set proximity tothe device. In one embodiment, the distance may be less than 1 ft. Inyet another embodiment, it may be as close as the user can physicallyspace the two fitness device to the device.

A selection process configured to select the intended fitness device mayoccur (see, e.g., 604). In one possible implementation, the app (ormodule on the mobile device) may then filter the list of detecteddevices meeting the criteria (e.g., un-imprinted devices) such as byRSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) and build an internal listbased on those fitness devices having a strong signal. This thresholdmay be set by one or more criteria, and in certain embodiments, userdefined. In certain embodiments, once an internal list of un-imprinteddevices is created, it may attempt connection with the fitness device onthe listing associated with the highest RSSI. Upon connection, a commandmay be transmitted to the connected fitness device to cause it to outputa signal, such as via one of its (albeit limited) UI or feedbackmechanisms, such as via flashing light, making a sound or a vibration.In one embodiment, this may be referred to as a “Locate Device” command.In one embodiment, the Locate Device command may cause blinking of anLED in a particular pattern. The app may then ask the user if theirdevice is blinking. (see, e.g., 606).

Various embodiments require or otherwise permit the receipt of a userinput relating to the state of the fitness device (see, e.g., 608). Forexample, if a user input is indicative of the affirmative (e.g., lightsare blinking at the predefined rate or pattern), then imprinting mayproceed in certain embodiments. (see, e.g., 610). If a user input isindicative of a negative response (e.g., the user provides an inputindicating that the specific device is not outputting a specific outputsignal), the app may cease instructions configured to blink the currentdevice, disconnect and connect to a device with the next highest RSSIand ask the user if their device is now blinking. This process may berepeated until a user input is in the affirmative and/or the list ofdevices is exhausted.

Imprinting Fitness Device Examples

In one embodiment, imprinting may occur. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of oneexemplary embodiment that may be used to implement an imprintingprotocol in accordance with one or more implementations according tovarious embodiments in which information and actions between a “FitnessDevice”, a “Mobile Device” and a “Server” is provided. As discussedabove with reference to FIG. 6, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat “mobile device” is merely an example, and as such any devicecomprising at least one processor and a memory may be utilized inaccordance with this disclosure. Further, in certain embodiments, amobile device may comprise a proximity pairing module, which maycomprise software and/or hardware components. In one embodiment, amobile device is configured to include computer-executable instructionsthat when executed initiate an “app” of set of instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor, perform one or more of the actions or transferof information discussed in accordance with FIG. 7 (as well as others).Likewise, reference to a “Server” may include any proximate or remotecomputing device having at least a processor and a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium.

In accordance with one embodiment, one or more un-imprinted fitnessdevices may be detected. In one embodiment, the fitness devices may bediscovered via an advertising beacon (e.g. see 702, which in certainembodiments may be identical or comprise one or more processes similarto 602). The advertising beacon may be configured to serve as adiscovery authentication beacon. In one embodiment, the beacon mayconsist of a discovery authentication beacon. Computer-executableinstructions may be executed to cause a UI, such instructions on anon-transitory medium on the mobile device, to instruct a user to loginto an app, service, or virtual address (such as for example, a URL),such as shown graphically with reference 704 of FIG. 7. Either basedupon the reception of a signal, such as via 702 and/or the usersuccessfully being granted entry to the service, system, app, site,and/or address, such as represented by reference 704 of FIG. 7, themobile device and the fitness device may be paired.

In certain embodiments, the Mobile Device (or a module operating inassociation with the Mobile Device) may transmit a request for a newidentification from the site, service, site, address, etc. For example,it may be a “Platform ID”. (e.g., see reference 708). It may berequested from the “Server”. The Server, in turn, may provide therequested ID (e.g., the “Platform” ID) to the device (e.g., reference710). The mobile device may request an authentication key for thefitness device (e.g., reference 712), which may be transmitted as partof illustrated process 714.

The mobile device, or portions thereof, may then create a new DiscoveryToken or other beacon that is different than the Discovery Token orbeacon of 702 (e.g., see, arrow 716). The creation of the DiscoveryToken/beacon may be based on the on user credentials or informationknown to the service, site, app, address, etc. of reference 704. Thecreation of the Token/beacon may be performed entirely without theFitness Device.

The user may be prompted, such as with a UI provided on the MobileDevice, to provide physiological, athletic, and/or demographicinformation. In one embodiment, the user may be prompted to provide oneor all of: gender, height, weight, and their estimated or known restingheart rate. (e.g., see arrow 718). This and/or other user informationmay be transmitted to the Fitness Device (e.g., arrow 720), which may befollowed by an acknowledgement signal (e.g., ACK message of arrow 722).The ID (e.g., Platform ID of 710) may also be transmitted to the FitnessDevice (e.g., arrow 724), and an acknowledgement message may be receivedresponsive thereto (e.g., arrow 726). An authentication key (e.g.,Authentication Key of 712/714) may be transmitted to the Fitness Device(e.g., arrow 728), which may be followed by an acknowledgement signal(e.g., 730). The Discovery Token (such as the one created by the MobileDevice in arrow 716) may be set in the Fitness Device (see, e.g., arrow732), which may be acknowledged with a message (e.g., arrow 724).Setting the Discovery Token at arrow 732 may completely erase orotherwise render unusable the prior Discovery Token on the FitnessDevice, yet in other embodiments, it may be temporary. In oneembodiment, the Discovery Token set at arrow 732 may auto-expire uponlapsing of time and/or meeting of one or more other conditions. In yetanother embodiment, a user input may be required to remove or otherwisereplace the Discovery Token of 732. In further embodiments, imprintingmay be finalized (e.g., arrow 736), which may be acknowledged in amessage (see, e.g., arrow 738), thus resulting in the Fitness Devicebeing imprinted.

In certain embodiments, it may be critical that an authentication keyand a discovery token are committed to non-volatile memory nearlysimultaneously, such as within a finite threshold time frame. If thereis any disruption in communication that results in only one of thesevalues being correctly written to memory, the imprinting process mayhave presumed to have failed. At this point, the Fitness Device may bein one of two error states. If the Advertising Token was written but theAuthentication key was not, the fitness device may incorrectly advertiseand be incorrectly recognized as an imprinted device. Thus, the app mayattempt to authenticate with the user's authentication key, andauthentication will fail. If the Authentication key was written and theDiscovery token was not, the fitness device may appear as anun-imprinted device. The app may attempt to connect and authenticateusing the default authentication key. The fitness device may use thewritten user's authentication key during the process and authenticationwill fail.

Systems and methods may mitigate imprint failure according to novelimplementations. In one embodiment, to minimize the exposure to thisissue, a Discovery Token and Authentication Key may be held in volatilememory until acknowledgement that the imprinting is successful. In oneembodiment, a “Finalize Imprinting” command is received. Upon receivingthe Finalize Imprinting command, firmware may write the Discovery Tokenand Authentication keys to non-volatile memory. Firmware may then returnan ACK for the received command.

As discussed, the process depicted in FIG. 6 and/or FIG. 7 may beutilized for any type of electronic device (e.g., portable electronicdevice 112, shoe-mounted device 126, wrist-worn device 128/400, sensinglocation 130, sensor system 302, among others) associated with a mobileapp. By way of an example, FIG. 8 depicts an athletic band 820 with aremovable module 830.

According to some aspects, the band 820 is configured to be securedagainst the user's skin or clothing. In one embodiment, the band isconfigured to be an armband, however, may be configured as a wristband,waistband, or other configuration. In one embodiment, the band 820 isconfigured to be worn between the user's elbow and wrist. In anotherembodiment, the band is configured to be worn in a location between theelbow and the shoulder.

In the depicted embodiment, the band 820 includes a tubular body 821defining a central passage 822, such that the user's arm is receivedthrough the passage 822 and the tubular body 821 wraps around the arm.The tubular body 821 is somewhat frusto-conical in shape in theembodiment shown, with a wider end 923 configured to be positionedcloser to the elbow, and an opposite narrower end 824 configured to bepositioned closer to the wrist, where the arm is typically smaller. Thefrusto-conical shape of the tubular body 821 may assist in resistingslipping of the band 820 when worn on the user's forearm duringactivity. In other embodiments, a similarly structured band 820 may beconfigured to be worn elsewhere on the body. For example, the band 820may be configured to be worn elsewhere on the arm, such as on the upperarm, the wrist, the hand, etc. As another example, the band 820 may beconfigured to wrap around a different body part of the user, such asvarious locations on the leg, neck, torso, head, etc. It is understoodthat the dimensions and contours of the band 820 may be adjusted forwrapping around different body parts.

According to some aspects, the band 820 includes a pocket 840 attachedto, or formed integrally with, the band 820, configured to retain anelectronic module 830. In this regard, the band may form a seal or othersurface around a portion of the user's skin in a manner that distributesforces such that at least a portion of the band 820 is held against theuser's skin with a less force per unit area compared to any surface ofan electronic module 830 held in the pocket 840 is pressed against theskin when the user is wearing the band 820. The module 830 held againstthe user's skin may act as sensor during physical activity of the userand may measure one or more attributes (e.g., physiological, biomedical,athletic, with the understanding that these may be overlapping examples)of a user during physical movements. The pocket 840 may include an outerwall 843 that forms part of the outer surface 828 of the band 820 and aninner wall (not shown) that forms part of the inner surface 827 of theband 820, with the cavity defined between the walls to receive themodule 830.

The outer wall 843 of the pocket is configured to cover the module 830,and may be configured to permit reading and/or manipulation of themodule through the outer wall 843. For example, the outer wall 843 mayinclude one or more windows 846 to permit viewing of a display of themodule 830. Such a window 846 may be an opening in the outer wall 843 ora transparent or translucent portion that allows viewing of a light orlighted display there through. For example, the outer wall 843 may havea window 846 to permit viewing of a single light, and may additionallyor alternately have one or more windows 846 configured to permit viewingof a plurality of LEDs on the module 830 (i.e., a readable display). Itis understood that the pocket 840 may have one or more windows 846configured to be complementary with the structure of the module 830.

As another example, the outer wall 843 may have one or more buttonportions 847 that are configured to allow manipulation of one or morebuttons of the module 830 through the outer wall 843. It is understoodthat “buttons” may include mechanical/electrical buttons, a touch-screeninterface, or other manually operable components. The button portion 847may simply be a flexible portion of the outer wall 843 that permits theuser to press the button portion 847 to activate the button of themodule 830. In another embodiment, the button portion 847 may have abutton mechanism (or mechanisms) that actuate the button(s) of themodule 830. In a further embodiment, the button portion 847 may doubleas a window 846, such as if the module 830 has a button with a light onit or if the module 830 has a lighted touch-screen display. The outerwall 843 may further have indicia 847A, such as indications of thelocation(s) of the button(s) on the module 830, logos, instructions,etc.

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the module 830 (asone example of an electronic device 112) may be operatively associatedwith a fitness or other software application (as one example of a mobileapp) operating on a mobile phone. In such embodiments, firmwareoperating on the module 830 may be periodically updated via the fitnessor other software. For example, the firmware update may be transferredto module 130 from the mobile app even when the module 130 is being usedand/or in a useable mode (at once or, alternatively, in several discretepackets, as discussed), and then subsequently installed when the deviceis not in use after user input is received at the mobile app indicatingthat the firmware should be updated.

Athletic Data Aggregation Example

Aggregating fitness data, such as from a plurality of devices, hashistorically been difficult. In group settings (either virtual orphysical), when a session, class or event is about to be initiated,players, instructors, coaches, trainers and/or other individuals oftendon't have the time, inclination or patience to individually set up orconfirm each participant has an operating and properly-configuredfitness device that can transmit athletic data. In this regard,instructors often have defined time slots within a workout room, and assuch, they don't have the time to coordinate electronic equipmentsynchronization and/or serve as a mobile IT department.

FIG. 9 shows a prior art attempt to address this issue. As seen in FIG.9, a plurality of users 902 may each be associated with a fitnessdevice. Prior systems have generally focused on individually connectingfitness devices associated with a plurality of athletes (e.g., athletes902) with a leaderboard or system for aggregating and/or displayingathletic data (e.g., see 904 of FIG. 9). Further, this usually involvedrequiring the athlete to first disconnect their fitness device fromother devices, such as switching the Bluetooth connection from theirmobile phone or tablet. For example, Bluetooth protocol only allows asingle connection at a time, so the athlete would first have todetermine whether the fitness device is connected to their phone oranother device, disconnect it, and then determine if it can besuccessfully connected to the new device. In this regard, user 906 ofthe plurality of users 902 may be associated with a fitness device thatis configured to wireless communication with mobile device 908. In thisregard, the fitness device of user 906 may be paired or in a connectedstate with mobile device 908 such that the fitness device cannot besimultaneously connected with leaderboard hardware 904.

Other problems include the potential lack of internet service by the gymor other entity proximate to the collection of users (such as anoperative connection through internet service provider 910), which evenif present, may require authentication between the hardware utilized toaggregate and display the data (e.g., 904) and the fitness devicesthemselves (e.g., 908). Further, authentication between remote platforms(e.g., fitness community platform 912) that may be utilized to obtaindata about the athletes and/or store the athletic data. Such platformsoften require log-in credentials of the athletes, which could be aprivacy concern.

Aspects of the invention relate to aggregating athletic data.Aggregations may be based upon one or more criteria, such as ranking,proximity, sex, weight, age, athletic attributes, and/or one or moreparameters. In certain embodiments, data may be aggregated from aplurality of fitness devices that are each uniquely identified with oneor more users. The users may be, for example, users within a specificclass, such as a spinning class, players on a team, such as aprofessional or amateur athletic team, or any other collection ofindividuals. In certain embodiments, a collection of individuals may befrom a virtual class or other arrangement, wherein at least one fitnessdevice is remote from another fitness device, such that the athletesassociated with the fitness devices cannot see or hear each otherwithout electronic assistance. In certain embodiments, athletes may beprompted or otherwise to provide authorization for data being collectedwithin the aggregated athletic data. In certain embodiments, theauthorization may be respective to a certain location (e.g., gym orplaying field, and/or specific times (specific classes or games).

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative example of aggregating and outputtingathletic data from a plurality of users in accordance with oneembodiment. At least one fitness device may be uniquely associated witha user of a plurality of athletes (e.g., athletes 1002) with aleaderboard or system for aggregating and/or displaying athletic data(e.g., see 904 of FIG. 9). Unlike prior art systems and methods, thereis no requirement that the athlete to first disconnect their fitnessdevice from other devices, such as switching the Bluetooth connectionfrom their mobile phone or tablet to have information received byleaderboard hardware 1004. In this regard, the connection status of thewireless protocol with respect to a second device is irrelevant for theleaderboard hardware 1004 receiving athletic device from the samewireless protocol in a non-connected state. For example, user 1006 ofthe plurality of users 902 may retain or otherwise establish a directconnection with a mobile device, such as mobile device 906. For example,as one example, the Bluetooth protocol only allows a single connectionat a time, however, according to novel aspects; the user will not haveto disconnect it to transmit data to the leaderboard hardware 104 usingwireless signals of the same protocol (see, e.g., reference numeral1008). In certain embodiments, the fitness device of user 906 may bepaired or in a connected state with mobile device 908 such that thefitness device cannot be simultaneously connected with leaderboardhardware 904, but nonetheless, the leaderboard hardware 1004 can receiveathletic data from the same protocol from the fitness device.

In one embodiment, aggregated data may be electronically analyzed and atleast a portion of the raw data and/or processed data may be displayedto the athletes. As one example, one or more fitness devices may beconfigured to enter a “Leaderboard” mode. FIG. 11 shows flowchart 1100that may be implemented to aggregate and/or output (e.g. display)athletic activity data obtained from a plurality of different fitnessdevices. In one embodiment, one or more fitness devices (each of whichmay be associated with different athletes) may be configured to have amode in which the Fitness Device can “broadcast” a configurable set ofdata about a user's workout (or collection of athletic data from anevent, session, game, etc. directly via a wireless protocol to a centraldevice in a group setting during performance of the athletic activityfrom which the data is collected. For example, a fitness device may bepowered on (e.g., block 1102) and proceed to decision 1104 which maydetermine if an “always on” leaderboard mode may be enabled. As oneexample, if a specific user usually attends a class or group workouts,certain embodiments, may have the ability to have the beacon (orspecific information included within the beacon) “Always On” or activein one or more locations, time frames, etc. In certain embodiments,block 1106 may be implemented to initiate non-connected advertising.Advertising of data may be conducted according to configurationsettings. In this regard, a session may be initiated and would notaffect advertising modes of the wireless protocol. If decision 1104 isin the negative, certain embodiments, may initiate or otherwise performone or more processes incorporating block 1108. In one embodiment, block1108 may be used to allow connection to the fitness device, such as bythe mobile device to make configuration settings pertaining to theLeaderboard. FIG. 12 shows an example UI that may be implemented, suchas on a mobile device, that allows a user to set on or more variables inrelation to what information is transmitted in one or more beacons. Inthis regard, the UI can permit settings in relation to: a user name,whether the mode is enabled, whether the mode is “always on”, as well asattributes such as heart rate, energy expenditure, elapsed time, andcombinations thereof. In various embodiments, portions of block 1108 maybe performed through a UI on the fitness device. In various embodiments,block 1110 may be implemented to permit the user to enable theLeaderboard function or mode, for example the mobile device UI orfitness device UI. Non-connectable advertising may be initiatedfollowing block 1108 and/or 1110 and block 1106 may commence.

The central device may collect data from all participants in the groupactivity (or those meeting at least one criterion (e.g., proximity,authorization provided, athletic activity above a threshold). One ormore data points (either raw or processes) may be displayed, such as forexample, on a “Leaderboard” for the users, instructors, and/or thirdparties to see. In accordance with various embodiments, the mode doesnot require a connection between the Fitness Devices and theLeaderboard.

In accordance with various embodiments, athletic fitness devices caneach utilize an advertisement beacon in such a way that a second device(e.g. a server hosting the leaderboard, which hereinafter may bereferred to the leaderboard) may read data from the fitness deviceswithout establishing a connection with the fitness device. In oneembodiment, the fitness device may be broadcasting the athlete'sathletic activity data while the leaderboard is configured to listen forthis broadcast from a plurality of devices, which may be based upon oneor more criterion. In certain embodiments, all the data necessary for anexpected user experience may be broadcasted directly from theirassociated fitness device to the leaderboard.

In one embodiment, it may be determined whether the fitness device isconnected to the mobile device (such as configured to exchangeelectronic information with an app operating on the mobile device), suchas via decision 1112. If not, in one embodiment, the fitness device maybe configured to either multiplex connectable advertising packets inbetween non-connectable advertising packets or support a connectionattempt in some other manner (see, e.g., 1114). In one such embodiment,this may return the process to block 1106.

In various embodiments, even after the beacon has been established, oneor more user inputs, either local or remote, may be used to activate ordeactivate transmission of the beacon. This may be beneficial forexample to protect the privacy of Fitness Device users and to minimizethe battery drain. In certain embodiments, users or third parties,either directly or indirectly, may be able to select what data isbroadcasted. In yet other embodiments, if a specific usually attends aclass or group workouts, certain embodiments, may have the ability tohave the beacon (or specific information included within the beacon)“Always On” or active in one or more locations, time frames, etc.

It may be determined that a session has ended or that it was notstarted, and in response, certain embodiments may determine whether tochange to a different power setting (e.g., standby) and/or power down(see, decision 1116). If not, certain embodiments may proceed toadvertise data based on configuration settings (e.g., implement block1106). If, however, decision 1116 is in the affirmative, block 1116 maybe implemented to turn leaderboard.

We claim:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a processor; a transceiverconfigured to wirelessly receive electronic information via a directpairing with a first electronic device using one or more transmissionprotocols; and a computer-readable medium comprising computer-executableinstructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processorto perform at least: directly receiving a first advertising beacon froma first electronic device, wherein the first electronic device is pairedwith a first mobile device; obtaining a first athletic attribute fromthe first advertising beacon; directly receiving a second advertisingbeacon from a second electronic device, wherein the second electronicdevice is paired with a second mobile device; obtaining a secondathletic attribute from the second advertising beacon; and displayingone or more of the first athletic attribute and the second athleticattribute on a display.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein oneor more of the first advertising beacon and the second advertisingbeacon are directly received during a first time frame.
 3. Theelectronic device of claim 2, wherein the computer-readable mediumfurther comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed,cause the processor to at least: receive, from the first electronicdevice, instructions to display at least a portion of the first athleticattribute.
 4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein thecomputer-readable medium further comprises computer-executableinstructions that when executed, cause the processor to at least:receive, from a third electronic device, instructions to display anathletic attribute of a specific user associated with the firstadvertising beacon or the second advertising beacon.
 5. The electronicdevice of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the first athleticattribute obtained from the first advertising beacon is determined by asetting on the third electronic device.
 6. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first athletic attributeobtained from the first advertising beacon is determined by a setting onthe first electronic device.
 7. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the determining to display one or more of the first athleticattribute and the second athletic attribute comprises: processing one ormore of the first athletic attribute and the second athletic attribute.8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first advertisingbeacon is directly received from the first electronic device at the sametime that the second electronic device is paired with the first mobiledevice, wherein the direct pairing is not broken as a result of directlyreceiving the first advertising beacon.
 9. A method comprising: directlyreceiving, by a processor and from a first electronic device, a firstadvertising beacon, wherein the first electronic device is paired with afirst mobile device; obtaining a first athletic attribute from the firstadvertising beacon; directly receiving, by the processor and from asecond electronic device, a second advertising beacon, wherein thesecond electronic device is paired with a second mobile device;obtaining a second athletic attribute from the second advertisingbeacon; and displaying one or more of the first athletic attribute andthe second athletic attribute on a display.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein one or more of the first advertising beacon and the secondadvertising beacon are directly received during a first time frame. 11.The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving, by the processorand from the first electronic device, instructions to display at least aportion of the first athletic attribute.
 12. The method of claim 10,further comprising: receiving, by the processor and from a thirdelectronic device, instructions to display an athletic attribute of aspecific user associated with the first advertising beacon or the secondadvertising beacon.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least aportion of the first athletic attribute obtained from the firstadvertising beacon is determined by a setting on the third electronicdevice.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of thefirst athletic attribute obtained from the first advertising beacon isdetermined by a setting on the first electronic device.
 15. The methodof claim 9, wherein the determining to display one or more of the firstathletic attribute and the second athletic attribute comprises:Processing one or more of the first athletic attribute and the secondathletic attribute.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the firstadvertising beacon is directly received from the first electronic deviceat the same time that the second electronic device is paired with thefirst mobile device, wherein the pairing is not broken as a result ofdirectly receiving the first advertising beacon.
 17. A systemcomprising: a first electronic device; a second electronic device; aprocessor; and memory storing computer-executable instructions that,when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform at least:directly receiving a first advertising beacon from the first electronicdevice, wherein the first electronic device is paired with a firstmobile device; obtaining a first athletic attribute from the firstadvertising beacon; directly receiving a second advertising beacon fromthe second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device ispaired with a second mobile device; obtaining a second athleticattribute from the second advertising beacon; and displaying one or moreof the first athletic attribute and the second athletic attribute on adisplay.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein one or more of the firstadvertising beacon and the second advertising beacon are directlyreceived during a first time frame.
 19. The system of claim 18, thememory storing computer-executable instructions that when executed,cause the processor to at least: receive, from the first electronicdevice, instructions to display at least a portion of the first athleticattribute.
 20. The system of claim 18, the memory storingcomputer-executable instructions that when executed, cause the processorto at least: receive, from a third electronic device, instructions todisplay an athletic attribute of a specific user associated with thefirst advertising beacon or the second advertising beacon.